Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Special Education and Teaching graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 417 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Special Education and Teaching graduates have a much higher likelihood (+13%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 48% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Special Education and Teaching graduate.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Cabrini College with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Special Education and Teaching. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSpecial Education Teacher Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS) Oct 2011 - Present ABOUTExperienced Special Education Teacher skilled in K-12 Education, Special Education, Teaching, Lesson Planning, and Educational Technology. Strong educational professional with certifications in Special Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6, Reading Specialist and English as a Second Language through continuing education. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing a vast array of LinkedIn profiles belonging to individuals who hold degrees in Special Education and Teaching, several trends emerge regarding their career choices and the relevance of those positions to their field of study. One of the most predominant job types among these graduates is the role of a Special Education Teacher. This position directly corresponds to the specialized knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. It appears that many recent graduates tend to secure positions as Special Education Teachers, often indicating a strong alignment between their education and their professional responsibilities. Additionally, roles such as Intervention Specialists, Resource Room Teachers, and Special Services Teachers also feature prominently, as these positions similarly apply specialized educational methodologies and practices aimed at supporting students with diverse and exceptional needs.
However, it is evident that not all positions held by individuals with degrees in Special Education maintain the same level of relevance to their education. Some paths diverge significantly; for instance, roles in general teaching, administrative positions, or even entirely unrelated sectors like sales and hospitality emerge at a considerable frequency. These positions suggest that while some graduates remain rooted within special education frameworks, others transition into varied industries where their specific expertise may not be fully utilized. Notably, jobs such as customer service representatives, managers in non-educational settings, and roles within corporate environments appear to lack a direct connection to the skills and knowledge acquired through a Special Education degree.
In summary, while many individuals with degrees in Special Education and Teaching effectively apply their skills within educational settings, a notable portion takes on roles that do not leverage their specialized training. This divergence illustrates a broader employment landscape where various factors, including economic conditions, personal preferences, and career goals, influence the professional trajectories of these graduates. The analysis of these profiles highlights both the strong potential for employability within the education sector specifically and the varied pathways that individuals may pursue beyond it, which may or may not align with their foundational training in special education.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Special Education and Teaching graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates in Special Education and Teaching, it’s pretty evident that many of them stick closely to their field after graduation. For instance, the majority of the profiles I analyzed show that new grads often start their careers as special education teachers right after completing their degrees. This makes sense because most programs are specifically tailored to prepare students for teaching in this area. Those who graduated from colleges like the University of North Carolina and Western Governors University typically launched right into roles as special education teachers or similar positions soon after their studies. It’s a good sign that a significant number of these graduates are entering the workforce directly related to their studies.
However, when we look at the five to ten year mark, the variations in career paths become more pronounced. While many individuals remain in education, we've seen a few transition into roles that are more administrative or support-based, like counseling positions or special education coordinators. For example, graduates from places such as Illinois State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have moved up to supervisory or coordinator roles in special education. Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, some graduates have drifted far from their original field, taking jobs that aren’t really tied to special education, such as in real estate or marketing. This indicates that while some stick to teaching, others may feel drawn to different ventures that may not utilize their special education background as much.
Overall, while graduates from special education programs generally do find their footing in relevant careers, there are also notable instances of individuals pursuing unrelated fields after a few years. It’s a mixed bag; for some, it’s a fulfilling path in education, while for others, the journey has taken them off the expected route. What seems clear, though, is that a strong foundation is laid during their studies, enabling many of them to effectively contribute to the education system in various capacities, even if they don’t stay strictly within the classroom. That said, there are also those who seem to struggle a bit more and venture outside the field altogether, leaving some uncertainty about job security in specialized education roles.
A Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Teaching can be a bit challenging, but it's definitely manageable if you're passionate about helping others. You'll dive into subjects like psychology, teaching methods, and specific learning disabilities, which can be pretty heavy content. There’s also a lot of hands-on experience, like internships and student teaching, that can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Overall, it’s about average in difficulty compared to other degrees, but if you really care about making a difference in kids' lives, the hard work can feel totally worth it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Special Education and Teaching.
Looking at these graduates from various colleges and their career paths, it seems like many of them have found stable jobs in education, particularly within special education, which is a notable and growing field. A good chunk of them started out as teachers and gradually moved up into more specialized or administrative roles, suggesting they are on a pathway to potentially earning decent salaries over time. Positions like Principal, Lead Teacher, and Special Education Coordinator, or even moving into roles outside of teaching, like program direction or consulting, typically come with better pay. However, many remain in teaching positions, which, while rewarding, might not offer the highest salaries compared to those in corporate sectors or specialized fields.
On the flip side, some graduates seem to have taken paths that might not offer the same financial growth. For instance, those who started as substitute teachers or educational assistants often remain in lower-paying positions without advancing into higher roles. While teaching can be a fulfilling profession, the pay may not always reflect the work's value, especially in certain districts. Overall, while there are signs of promising financial futures for many educators here, particularly with experience and advancement, others may continue to struggle financially unless they seek additional certifications or roles that offer better remuneration.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Special Education and Teaching. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Special Education and Teaching (ordered by the average relevance score of their Special Education and Teaching graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Illinois State University
|
87 | 15 |
 Western Governors University
|
85 | 17 |